Grace & Truth Chapel
131 Fardale Avenue ~ Mahwah, New Jersey
Phone 201-327-6226 ~ E-mail gtchapel@juno.com

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"The Church: The House of God" (posted March 1, 2005)

Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
   - Ephesians 2:20-22

Turning to Scripture, we are at once faced with the fact that the house of God has a very large place both in the Old Testament and the New. The first mention of it is in Genesis 28:17; the last, in Revelation 21:3.

It is true the composition of the house is very different at different times. In the Old Testament days it was formed of boards and curtains, and later of actual stones. Today the house is composed of "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5). But while its composition varies, the purpose of the house remains the same. Whatever form it takes, the purpose is ever to constitute a dwelling place for God. Solomon expressed this thought when he said, "I have surely built You an exalted house, and a place for You to dwell in forever" (2 Chronicles 6:2).

It must, however, be evident that God's house must have certain characteristics. Whatever form it may take, it must be suited to God. The first epistle to Timothy was specially written to instruct us in the behavior suited to the house of God: "how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God" (1 Timothy 3:15).

Holiness is the first great characteristic, as we read in Psalm 93:5, "Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord, forever." In accord with this, Timothy was told to charge those who form the house of God to maintain "love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith;" and, moreover, to refuse all conduct contrary to sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:5-10).

Furthermore, the house of God must be marked by dependence upon God. Thus prayer has a large place in it, for prayer is the expression of dependence upon God. So we read, "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands" (1 Timothy 2:8). [Ed. note: Consider also the words of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 21:13: "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer.'"]

If God has a dwelling place among men, it is in order that God may be known in blessing to men. Further, if man is blessed, it is in order that God may be praised. These are the two great ends purposed in connection with the house of God: God made known to man in blessing, in order that man may turn to God in praise.

Turning to the New Testament, we see in the first epistle of Peter that the purpose of God and the responsibilities of man in connection with the house remain the same. Here it is no longer a material house of dead stones, but a spiritual house of living stones. "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5).

Then we find the presentation of our privileges and responsibilities in connection with the house. On the one hand we are built together as "a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (2:5). On the other hand, before men, we are "a royal priesthood ... that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" (2:9). We draw nigh to God to offer up praise and prayer; we draw nigh to men as a witness of His excellencies.

Hamilton Smith



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